Chronicles of Forgotten Extra-Chapter 176: Aziel’s Resolve.

Aziel's Pov [First Perspective]

I was always like this, wasn't I?

Weak. Pathetic. Coward.

My eyes were heavy. My body was broken. I couldn't even feel my hands now.

It all had numbed.

The last punch had done too much damage.

My body ached from everywhere.

But I didn't care about that…no.

I just want to save Cecilia. The one I love.

Am I going to fail even now?

Am I going to lose someone dear to me again?

Everything around me went dark. I recalled my memories.

Memories.. deeply buried behind my careless and aloof attitude. The one I never wished to remember again.

A woman.. with navy blue hair and bright brown eyes.

My mother.

I vividly remembered her smile. Not the usual warm one she always gave me.

No more. I won't watch. I won't hide. Not this time

Even if it means sacrificing myself…. I'll not watch my loved ones suffer…

I would rather die than let something like that happen again…

I need to get up. I need to save her.

Just then—

The void surrounding my body lit up. The cold feeling vanished, replaced by warmth.

I felt strength rising within my body. freewebnoveℓ.com

"I like your will, kid," A deep voice echoed within my mind. It was calm yet fierce.

"Even broken and bloodied, you chose to rise. Even powerless, you chose to protect. I've watched your heart."

A soft glow began to bloom in my chest, it was warm and pulsing.

"I am Ignis Virel — the Flame of Sacrifice. I burn not for glory… but for love. For those we would die to protect."

The warmth spread like wildfire through my limbs.

"If you accept me… I shall lend you my flame. Not to destroy… but to shield."

I gritted my teeth.

Then I saw it–a giant humanoid figure completely made up of green coloured flames.

It's face was not visible. I felt an unbelievable amount of pure flame mana pour out of it.

I didn't know what it was…nor did I know who it was.

But that didn't matter.

I needed to save her.

And even if I have to sacrifice myself. I'll do it without even blinking an eye.

"I accept." I answered, no voice came out of my mouth .. but the spirit understood me.

"Then rise, Aziel… bearer of Emberheart — the Flame That Protects."

As soon as I heard this voice…my heart started pounding wildly.

My whole body burned..but it was not painful. I felt my strength rise.

"May you burn brightly for the ones you love."

With the last voice…the spirit vanished, leaving me alone within the void.

[CONGRATULATIONS]

[ANCIENT SPIRIT OF FLAME AND SACRIFICE–IGNIS VIREL HAS BLESSED YOU]

[SKILL: EMBERHEART IS BEING ADDED]

[TITLE: CONTRACTORS OF ANCIENT SPIRIT IS ADDED]

[AFFINITY: FLAMES OF SACRIFICE IS ADDED]

Many status windows appeared in front of me. But I ignored them, except for one.

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[SKILL]

Name: Emberheart – The Flame That Protects

Rank: Ancient Spirit-Blessed

Origin: Contract with Ignis Virel, Spirit of Sacrifice

Duration- 2 Minutes. (Increase with user's strength)

Cooldown - 6 Hours.

[Effects]

Sacrificial Flame Aura:

Generates a protective aura of green-gold flames. Absorbs damage aimed at allies and redirects it to the user. Protection scales with emotional intensity.

Guardian's Resilience:

Converts pain into power. The more the user is injured while protecting others, the faster his regeneration and the stronger his defense becomes.

Flameforged Armament:

Summons spirit-forged weapons or barriers. Their strength reflects users emotional state and intent to protect.

Immunity to Fear & Mind Control:

Flame-born conviction shields the mind from fear-based or manipulative effects.

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[AFFINITY]: Flames of Sacrifice

[TITLE GAINED]: Contractor of the Ancient Spirit – Ignis Virel

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And now… I had one purpose. To stop Dain. To protect her.

Emberheart

I muttered.

As soon as I activated the newly received skill, my body became light…My vision started to clear up.

I could feel my injuries getting healed.

I slowly raised to my feet.

I saw Dain standing close to Cecilia. His dirty fingers tracing her cheeks.

I took a step forward.

The ground beneath my feet cracked from the sheer heat radiating off me. My whole body was covered with pure golden green flames.

My body felt light, but every heartbeat thundered with power.

My once-broken limbs now moved with strength I didn't recognize as my own—but it was mine.

Dain's head snapped toward me, eyes wide.

"You were supposed to be finished," he frowned. "You couldn't even stand!"

I didn't respond. Only one thought repeated itself in my mind.

It's not time for me to close my eyes yet, Mom… I still have to save her.